Outlook of the smart grid transmission and distribution equipment market

Extensive research carried out by the analysts at Technavio has shown that the global smart grid transmission and distribution (T&D) equipment market to grow at a CAGR of more than 16% over the forecast period. One of the primary factors driving the growth of this market is the rapid modernization of grid. An aging power infrastructure, need for mitigation of cybersecurity risk, and the addition of new resources to the grid have resulted in the electricity and power sector to find ways to make the grid more reliable and flexible to suit the rapid changes in the supply and demand. This has led to the modernizing of the grid by implementing smart grids that use digital and information technology to manage the power flow efficiently. Moreover, according to the International Energy Agency significant investments are made for the refurbishment and replacement of the T&D infrastructure, thereby propelling the growth prospects for this market in the coming years.

In this market study report, the analysts have estimated factors such as increasing substation automation and control to aid in the growth of this market over the predicted period. The rising demand for electricity around the world is influencing utilities to operate power plants at full capacity and produce power efficiently. This has led to an increasing automation process in the grid and a growing need for awareness about the grid conditions at all times. Moreover, automation also helps reduce the overall costs as possibilities of a system failure due to negligence are avoided. Furthermore, remote terminal units (RTUs) are control devices that help in managing and monitoring substations from a remote location. These terminal units show real-time data of the grid, underlining concerned areas such as points of high T&D losses that help operators address the problems. Therefore, an augmented demand for RTUs will also aid in the growth of the market until the end of 2020.

Product segmentation and analysis of the smart grid T&D equipment market

• High-voltage direct current (HVDC)
• Volt-Ampere Reactive (RTU)
• Flexible AC transmission system (FACTS)
• Volt-Ampere Reactive (VAR)
• Synchrophasors

During 2015, the HVDC segment dominated the smart grid T&D equipment market and accounted for nearly 79% of the market share. The growth in offshore wind farms in one of the critical factors driving the growth of this segment. The power generated from the offshore wind power plants will require connection to the grid, thereby propelling this market segment’s growth in the future.

Geographical segmentation and analysis of the smart grid T&D equipment market

• Americas
• APAC
• EMEA

The Americas dominated the smart grid T&D equipment market and is envisaged to reach more than USD 7 billion by the end of 2020. The region is expected to grow rapidly with the US, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico being the major revenue contributors. Factors such as the replacement of aging grid infrastructure, addition and connection of renewables to the grid, and modernization of the grid in the region will impel the growth prospects for this market in the Americas.

Competitive landscape and key vendors

The smart grid T&D equipment market is characterized by the presence of several well-established vendors. In quite a few regions, local and regional vendors dominate the market, and large vendors have to deal with competitors. Large vendors have advantages like access to extensive capital and R&D funds, which allows them to develop new technologies. 

Key vendors in this market are -

• ABB
• GE-Alstom Grid
• Prysmian
• Schneider Electric
• Siemens

Other prominent vendors in this market are Abengoa, EATON, First Subsea, Fujikura, General Cable, Honeywell, Nexans, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, and Xian Electric Engineering.

Key questions answered in the report include

• What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2020?
• What are the key factors driving the smart grid T&D equipment market?
• What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global smart grid T&D equipment market?
• What are the challenges to market growth for smart grid data management?
• Who are the key vendors in the global smart grid T&D equipment market?
• What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the smart grid T&D equipment market?
• Trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.
• What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global smart grid T&D equipment market?

Technavio also offers customization on reports based on specific client requirement.

Related reports

• Global Smart Grid Networking Market 2015-2019
• Smart Grid Equipment in the US - Market Research 2015-2019
• Global Advanced Distribution Management System Market 2015-2019

A smart grid uses computer-based automation technology to integrate communication and information, which is available in the digital or analog format, to facilitate and improve the overall power production and distribution process. The infrastructure for transmission and distribution (T&D) distributes electricity to power substations, which then distributes it to electric utility transformers. The electric utility transformers then deliver power to the consumers.

The report, global smart grid T&D equipment market, is part of Technavio’s energy research portfolio. This portfolio provides a comprehensive market analysis along with the market share, market sizing, and market segmentations covering areas such as energy storage, power, oil and gas, smart grid, and waste and waste management. These market research reports provide a perspective on the various market opportunities and market threats along with the key trends that would influence the market growth during the forecast period. It presents insights into the changing competitive landscape and a detailed profiling and market analysis of the vendors. Also covered in the research are the key regions or countries that would have an impact on the market during the assessment years.